Detroit Lions have seen strong participation in offseason training program

In comparison to last year, the Lions offseason workout attendance is up, which could have to do with a sense of urgency felt from last season's disappointing 4-12 record

Offseason Workouts (OTAs):

May 21-23

May 28-29

May 31

June 3-4

June 6-7

Mandatory Minicamp: June 11-13

Rookie Minicamp: May 10-12

The Detroit Lions have had good participation since the start of their offseason training program April 15.

"I'm guessing we're in the 85-to-90 percent range," Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said before the draft.

"I've seen a lot of guys here and I was in the (initial) team meeting and it was pretty crowded in there. I'm excited about that."

Phase Two of the program began this week, which includes on-field workouts with individual player instruction and drills, as well as team practice conducted on a "separates" basis. That simply means no live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills is permitted.

While participation is up vs. last year, running backJoique Bell says the attitude among the players seems different from a year ago as well.

Coming off a disappointing 4-12 season has prompted more of a sense of urgency among the players, he said.

"I think this offseason program has gotten off to a better start than last year," Bell said. "Ninety percent of us are here busting our butts.

"I think it's just our hunger. We don't want to go through what we went through last year. We kind of know what we did last year that was wrong and we're adjusting it this year. We policing a lot more the things we do, and I think that's good."

Phase Three of the offseason training program, which begins later this month, consists of a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or "OTAs". No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.